Abstract

"The platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), a 130-kDa membrane glycoprotein, is expressed on the surface of monocytes, some T-lymphocyte subsets, neutrophils, platelets and endothelial cells. PECAM-1 plays a key role in the transendothelial migration of circulating leukocytes during vascular inflammation. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the association between the C373G polymorphism of the PECAM-1 gene and coronary artery disease in Chilean subjects. A total of 220 individuals were investigated (112 cases and 108 controls). The presence of coronary artery disease was confirmed by angiography (Stenosis >70%). The C373G polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction followed enzymatic restriction. The genotype frequencies were in agreement with those predicted by the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both groups. The genotype distribution and the relative al